Photo below: Temporary installation for prototype testing

The solution that has been developed is not the same as a conventional stabilised antenna and as such, how it works, is installed and used is different.

The solution has an extensive list of features, which either match or add to the features of a conventional antenna:

• Complete azimuth and below horizon to above zenith tracking in all latitudes.
• Fast dynamic tracking. Handles very fast pitch, roll and yaw of small vessels.
• Installation options that eliminate any on-board rig and superstructure shadows.
• Simple and invisible installation if required.
• Low weight at 21.3kg when compared to conventional 60cm antenna at 79kg.
• Options from 8 to 24W BUCs.
• All external sensors are built in. No external connections.
• Each panel is autonomous but can work combined, in a team.
• Plug and play. 10 minutes out of the box to satellite acquisition.
• Panel only powered by 15W peak and 300W typical when 8W BUC transmits.
• The panel is solid state so no moving parts.
• IP66 environmental protection.
• Cooling not required.
• Panels available for full 2GHz frequency spectrum if required.
• Optical inter connectivity to make installations simple.
• Single panel bandwidth of 100Mbps plus is limited only by modem and transponder.
• Each time the number of panels doubles the gain is increased by 2.7dB.
• Each panel transmits and receives IP and receives multicast TV and IPTV content.
• It enables TV to be watched when you want to watch it.
• Kalo airtime is based on the cellphone model of a monthly GB allowance per month.
• Kalo airtime starts at $58/m for 1GB/m!
• The panel is unlocked for other service providers to enable their services.
• The VoIP service works through all the connections on-board including 3G/4G.

At the Monaco Yacht Show in 2016 we had two panels combined onshore, with a 60Mbps receive and 6Mbps transmit working throughout the Show. The bandwidth was the maximum provided by the satellite for the Show and it was capable of going faster.

This year we started sea trials in early May 2017 and will continue on both sail and motor yachts in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Mediterranean over the next 3 months.

This is a very exciting time and we are already seeing some great results.

In the middle of May, we installed the first Kymeta panel on a SY which we refer to as Prototype yacht A in the Caribbean. This yacht has sailed in the Caribbean, to Bermuda, with plans to cross to the Med at the end of the month. We conducted some crystal clear, live Facetime calls with the yacht when she was under sail in the middle of the Bermuda triangle connecting to an HTS satellite.

Kymeta panels were also installed on a MY which we refer to as Prototype B in mid-June. We will be monitoring progress closely during their summer Mediterranean cruise.

A third, small but fast 50+ knot yacht, Prototype C, has been tested at maximum speeds in 5 foot seas and the antenna tracked perfectly. Even when the yacht was idling and was violently pitching and rolling, the antenna didn’t blink.

Our final and fourth test, Prototype vessel D, will take place on a commercial vessel starting in July around the Caribbean.

The sea trials are extensive and enable us to test the technology on different types of yachts and other vessels, in different sea conditions, using different satellites with different configurations of panels. This is just the start, and we will provide updates over the summer months. The two yachts will be at the Monaco Show in September for personal viewing and testing.

Watch this space for further sea trial updates over the next few months.

e3 Systems is in the process of appointing Value Added Resellers as Certified Distribution Partners (CDP) to sell, install and support Kymeta connectivity solutions globally. e3 will also be appointing shipyards and other organisations to become Certified Installation Centres

(CIC) with the facilities for the installation of Kymeta flat panel mTenna technology and KyWay terminals combined with K?LO™ high-throughput access services. The selected Partners will receive full training by the end of this year.

Roger Horner, Group Managing Director of e3 Systems said, “We are very pleased to have this new technology working well at sea and also delighted to have signed this commercial agreement with Kymeta so we can now deliver this fantastic solution to the yacht market. Please contact us via our website if you are interested in the solution or would like to become a CDP or a CIC.”